Münsterlingen: efficient LED floodlights from ELEKTRON on the 2nd Linga soccer field

24.02.2023

In order to save energy and thus costs, but also to protect the adjacent residential area and nature from unnecessary light pollution, the complete lighting of the second division football pitch in Münsterlingen (TG) was renewed. OptiVision LED spotlights from ELEKTRON were installed for this purpose. These can be switched on and off individually and selectively via the existing DALI control system. For training purposes, the spotlights can also be dimmed. This means that the soccer players always have exactly as much light on the pitch as the game situation requires. The new environmentally friendly and energy-efficient lighting has been recognized and subsidized by the national funding program effeSPORT.

What specifications had to be taken into account when planning the new lighting for the soccer field?

The football field belongs to the 2nd league interregional - so the corresponding specifications of the SFV apply. If all values comply with the standards, the SFV releases the pitch.

For the final light measurement for the SFV measurement protocol, we were on site in Münsterlingen and were able to speak with Michel Oechslin (project manager Ellenbroek Hugentobler). He also showed us live how the soccer field can be lit differently via the DALI control for match and training operations. In addition, he tells us how the new lighting "killed two birds with one stone".

What all does the renovation of the football field lighting include?

The existing candelabra could continue to be used. However, we replaced the floodlights and redid the wiring from the floodlights to the fuse boxes. We were able to keep the wiring from the fuse boxes to the mechanical room, saving money.

We sought advice from ELEKTRON on the selection of LED headlights. However, we already know the OptiVision LED spotlights very well from other locations where we have already installed them. New in Münsterlingen is the DALI control to be able to illuminate the square even more specifically.

Why have you divided the square into "three parts"? When is the square not fully illuminated?

For example, when the soccer players are practicing "goal kicking," only one side of the pitch can be specifically switched on. This saves energy and reduces light pollution at the same time. As you can see, the soccer field is located near residential areas. In the past, residents felt disturbed by the soccer field lighting. Today, we can reduce stray light in two ways: First, we can dim it to 60% and second, we can only partially illuminate the field.

How does the lighting control of the sports field lighting work?

The square is divided into three parts, which can be visited individually: Left, Center and Right. In competition mode, the lighting is set to 100 percent to achieve the 120 lux for the second division. "For training, we dim it to 60 percent, which is 80 lux. This way we save energy during training and reduce light emissions."

What has changed compared to the old lighting?

On the aerial view, of course, you can see very well that it's very dark next to the pitch thanks to the new LED headlights and their alignment. That is, there is no unnecessary stray light into the surrounding area. That was not the case in the past, of course. In addition, the goals are more brightly lit than the rest of the pitch. There used to be two floodlights on each pole, but now only one is needed in the middle.

A lot has also changed in terms of the power of the floodlights. Today, we can achieve the lux specifications with much less energy, which saves a lot of energy. In addition, even more energy efficiency is achieved through lighting control.

With these measures, the municipality was able to apply for effeSport funding, which has already been paid out in the meantime. For the soccer field right next door, which was newly built by another company and directly equipped with LED, the municipality is already considering also using a control system. Because they have been convinced by the advantages of point control.